RV Stewards' Report - Sharon De Grandi

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards, subsequent to their investigation, issued three charges against relevant person, Sharon De Grandi, pursuant to Australian Rule (AR) 232(c)(ii), AR 232(h) and AR 232(i) of the Rules of Racing.

Charge One: AR 232 Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards

A person must not:
…
(c)  while the Stewards are exercising their powers, performing their functions or carrying out their duties:
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(ii)  obstruct, hinder or delay the Stewards in exercising their powers, performing their functions or carrying out their duties; or
…

The particulars of the charge are summarised as follows:

• On 29 May 2025 and 11 June 2025, Ms De Grandi was interviewed by the Stewards in relation to the Rhonda Mangan trained horse, Sports Choice (the Horse), being presented at the Hamilton racecourse on 29 May 2025.
• Ms De Grandi hindered and/or delayed the Stewards in performing their functions and/or carrying out their duties, in that she failed to disclose to the Stewards information relevant to their inquiry and in doing so, denied the Stewards an opportunity to pursue a relevant line of inquiry.

Charge Two: AR 232 Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards

A person must not:
…
(i)   give any evidence at an interview, investigation, inquiry, hearing and/or appeal which is false or misleading.

The particulars of the charge are summarised as follows:

• On 29 May 2025 and 11 June 2025, Ms De Grandi was interviewed by the Stewards in relation to the Horse on 29 May 2025 and provided evidence which was false and/or misleading.

Charge Three: AR 232 Failure to observe processes and directions of PRAs or Stewards

A person must not:
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(h)  refuse or fail to attend or give evidence at an interview, investigation, inquiry, hearing or appeal when directed or requested to do so by a PRA, the Stewards or a person authorised by a PRA or the Stewards;
…

The particulars of the charge are summarised as follows:

• In a letter dated 26 November 2025 and sent via email, Ms De Grandi was directed by Stewards to attend an inquiry on 8 December 2025 at the offices of RV.
• On 8 December 2025, Ms De Grandi failed to comply with a direction of the Stewards by failing to attend the inquiry.

After Ms De Grandi failed to attend the Stewards inquiry as directed, the matter proceeded in her absence. The Stewards were comfortably satisfied that each of the charges was proven on the available evidence.

Accordingly, the Stewards warned off Ms De Grandi for a total period of 30 months. Subject to her right of appeal, the penalty is to commence immediately and expire on 8 June 2028.

A full breakdown of the penalties, all to be served cumulatively, is as follows:

• Charge One (AR 232(c)(ii)): Warning Off for period of 12-months;
• Charge Two (AR 232(i)): Warning Off for period of six-months; and
• Charge Three (AR 232(h)): Warning Off for period of 12-months.